Spiderbeam Aerial-51 Model 404-UL Antenna
Ultra-Lightweight | Multiband HF | New Zealand Distributor
Engineered for serious amateur radio operators who demand performance without compromise, the Spiderbeam Aerial-51 Model 404-UL is a high-performance, ultra-lightweight Off-Centre Fed Dipole (OCFD) antenna that delivers exceptional results across multiple HF bands. Whether you're operating from a mountaintop, your backyard, or in a stealthy HOA-restricted setup, this antenna offers impressive capability in a compact, rugged package.
Disclaimer:RG174 coax is thin and works well for the purpose, however when winding the coax around a winder or rolling it up the coax can become damaged at the point where the coax comes out of the balun as that is the point where it can be bent excessively. Please roll it up carefully. The antenna is designed to be used from your QTH, for a Field Day operation, or POTA/SOTA and it was never the intension of the designers or fabricators for it to be used for POTA road trips where it is erected and taken down multiple times a day. Normal/average use is assumed to be the weekend POTA enthusiast, i.e. put up and taken down 30 to 40 times a year. In cold temperatures the coax becomes almost rigid and if the coax is bent at the balun in temperatures of 0 deg C or below be very careful when winding and unwinding the coax. For heavy use of 50 + uses a year, i.e. put up & take down we suggest the Spiderbeam 807 antenna as that has a SO239 connector and you can use more robust coaxial cable, i.e. RG58.
My personal 404 Antenna has logged almost 50 activations in New Zealand and Australia in 11 months and is still one of the best antennas I have ever used. Greg ZL1GUD
Built for Portability – Designed to Last
Weighing just 435 grams (including 12m of RG-174 coax), the 404-UL lives up to its "Ultra-Lightweight" name. Yet it's no lightweight when it comes to strength — built with Kevlar-reinforced insulated wire, stainless steel hardware, and a Teflon-insulated, gold-plated PL-259 connector, it’s designed to survive harsh climates, high winds, snow, and ice.
Whether you're using it with a Spiderbeam 12m Spiderpole or a permanent mast, the Model 404-UL combines durability with a low-profile footprint that becomes nearly invisible when erected 10m or higher.
Multiband Coverage Without a Tuner
The Aerial-51 404-UL provides tuner-free operation on 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m, and 6m, and supports additional bands (17m, 12m, and 30m) with a tuner. A specially designed current balun reduces common-mode noise, resulting in a cleaner, quieter receive performance — especially when compared to End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) or traditional dipole antennas without baluns.
Designed for:
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Portable HF operations (POTA, SOTA, field days, emergency comms)
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Stealthy installations in HOA-regulated areas
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Base stations in cold climates with harsh weather
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Operators using fiberglass telescoping masts (ideal with Spiderbeam poles)
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Hams running 200W SSB/CW or moderate digital modes
Technical Specifications:
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Bands (no tuner): 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m, 6m
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Bands (tuner recommended): 17m, 12m
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Band (tuner required, reduced power): 30m
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Power Handling:
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SSB/CW: 200W (50W max on 30m)
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Digital: 50–100W (mode dependent)
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Overall Length: 20.5 meters (~67 feet)
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Weight: 435g (15 oz), including coax
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Coax: 12m (40 ft) RG-174, permanently attached
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Wire: Stranded copper, Kevlar-reinforced, insulated
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Connector: PL-259, gold-plated, Teflon insulated
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Mounting Hardware: Stainless Steel (V2A)
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Visibility: Nearly invisible above 10m height
Why Choose the Aerial-51 404-UL?
If you're looking for a lightweight HF antenna that performs like a heavyweight, this is it. With excellent band coverage, low-noise receive, rugged construction, and stealth-friendly design, the 404-UL is a smart choice for NZ hams who value quality, portability, and performance.
Reviews of the Aerial-51 404-UL
There are a number of good reviews of this Antenna done by eHAM.net and Aerial-51
In Stock – Sold in New Zealand
In Stock – Sold in New Zealand
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Perfect Companion to Spiderbeam Telescoping Poles